Trail Running Vest Packs

Not sure where to start when it comes to selecting a vest pack for trail running? This advice is here to support your decision making.

What is a Vest Pack?

A vest pack is a pack that clasps around your chest without a waistband. This ensures there is no bounce in the pack when you run and helps prevent any chaffing or discomfort from the waist strap. There are a variety of trail running vest packs on the market.

How to choose a Vest Pack?

When choosing your vest pack, it is essential to keep in mind a number of factors:

The distance of your event

How much mandatory gear or storage is required for your event

The hydration capacity required to complete your run

Whether you prefer soft flasks or bladders/reservoirs

Use our comparison chart to help you select your Vest Pack:

This is our list of the best vest packs available on the market. We have described:

What race distance they are suitable for

The hydration capacity of the vest pack

What we feel are their best features

Our list is ranked by mandatory gear storage size of the vest pack, from the LARGEST storage size to the SMALLEST storage size. Please note, storage size is not a reflection of fluid carrying capacity, but rather a reflection of how much gear the vest pack can hold.

This is the largest vest pack made by Salomon. It is NOT a race appropriate pack. A vest pack most suited to longer adventures such as long single day or very light multi-day missions. Storage capacity - 20L

Lightest pack on the market. Designed for races where no mandatory gear is required. Ideal for road races and short trail events. Storage capacity - 2L (in pockets on chest area and a very small back pocket)